UCLA Football: Position Group Report Card vs BYU
Defensive Line: B+
“Defensive improvements” is an undernstatment. UCLA had one sack in their first two games. Against BYU, they had four in the first half with two coming from the D-Line. Rick Wade broke onto the scene with a couple tackles, one of which was a sack. Takkarist McKinley also had a sack as he came back from a groin injury.
The return of Eddie Vanderdoes also helped as he clogged the middle of the line. In the first half, UCLA limited BYU to -9 yards rushing and a game total of 23. Quite impressive.
Linebackers: A
All I can say is that Jayon Brown is a beast. He was all over the field and attacking the Cougar offense. He had a team-high 7 tackles which included one sack.
Kenny Young continued to impress as he registered five tackles and a sack in consecutive games (he got his first last week against UNLV). The LBs caught some flack the week before, but were a changed squad this past weekend.
Defensive Backs: A-
For the most part, the DBs were ferocious. Adarius Pickett, Nate Meadors and Fabian Moreau had thrree or more tackles. Pickett also snagged an interception early in the game as the Bruins shut out BYU in the first half.
Though the Bruins could afford to give up a touchdown late in the game, does not mean they should have. UCLA played conservatively to end the game with prevent defense and it prevented nothing as BYU hauled in a late TD catch.
Special Teams: B+
Kicker JJ Molson missed a 38-yard field goal attempt. Though he should have made it, he did hit another later in the game. Punter Austin Kent stayed consistent and helped control field position once again. Kent averaged 43.5 yards per punt with a long of 53.
Next: UCLA Football: Rising Stars and Burning Questions
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